EXODUS 14:13-14, ROMANS 5:1-5
Christians today face diverse challenges and many at times puts them in a state of hopelessness, despair, pain, brokenness, betrayal, incompetent and the list is endless. Our message today comes very timely to encourage us to arise again and shine and stand firm in the face of trials because God loves and care for all His creation.
Through the word of God, we are encouraged to stand firm even amidst the trials and tribulations that Christians face. Exodus 14:13 “Do not be afraid stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today”. Fear is the biggest threat to growth in faith in the walk with God, today there are so many slogans like “Faith over Fear” to encourage people who are going through storms.
Its important to tame our fears with the strength of faith and trust in the Lord, faith brings liberation and trust in the Lord fully. When Christians believe in God fully they mature in the Lord and like Paul said in Corinthians they grow from weaning to eating solid food. 1 Corinthians 3:1-2.
The story of Anna is a story of pain, despair and anguish and in the book of Samuel we are shown a good practical example of how Anna weathered the storm and conquered. Through the pain Anna made a vow to God. 1 Samuel 1:11 And she made a vow, saying, “O Lord Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me, and do not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head’’. God granted Anna her wish and blessed her with a son.
The coming of Christ and suffering on the cross so we too may be saved is equally a good example of pain, betrayal, and suffering, but eventually Jesus was Victorious He conquered death so that we may be liberated from sin. Romans 5: 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungoldly.
Brethren your presence in the Lord doesn’t make you immune to the pain of the world but believing in God and walking and trusting God for greatness makes all the difference. James 1:1-12 encourages us to find joy amidst storms because in the long run there will be victory and growth in journey of life above all else maturity in the Lord.
